Cane Creek Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Meadow Wood Farm Dam Bigham Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Cane Creek Lake Dam, also known as Cane Creek Watershed Dam 3a, is a significant earth dam located in Union, North Carolina.
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Summary
Built in 1974 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves as a crucial flood risk reduction infrastructure along the Cane Creek river. With a hydraulic height of 33 feet and a structural height of 45 feet, this dam plays a key role in protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events.
The primary purpose of Cane Creek Lake Dam is flood risk reduction, although it also serves as a recreational area for local residents. With a storage capacity of 6030 acre-feet and a surface area of 308 acres, this dam provides essential water resource management for the region. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in November 2019.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Cane Creek Lake Dam is regulated by the NCDEQ Dam Safety Program and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, this dam remains a crucial asset in protecting the local community from potential flood risks while also providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
1057 |
River Or Stream |
Cane Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
308 |
Hydraulic Height |
33 |
Nid Storage |
6030 |
Structural Height |
45 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
45 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Cane Creek Lake Dam